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buying wheels- second hand or new

updated sun 29 feb 04

 

x who on wed 25 feb 04


Hi All,

I am considering buying a wheel to use at home. I am an intermediate
thrower and was learning pottery in Tucson but have recently moved to
Austin, Texas. The cost of classes here are unaffordable for me and I have
missed throwing terribly. Would anyone be able to suggest affordable models
of wheels that you have used and found reliable. I have seen some on sale
on ebay like the brent IE, but I am always wary of buying things over the
internet. Thanks for your help!

Juanita Choo

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Lois Ruben Aronow on thu 26 feb 04


In my opinion, it depends on how much you're paying for the wheel and the
shipping.

In general, I wouldn't hesitate to buy a good quality wheel used, because
they are serviceable and have a long expected life span. Buying one off of
eBay, though, means you have to trust that the seller packed it correctly so
it doesn't break during transit. If there is a ceramic supplier near you,
you should call them and see if they have any used equipment for sale. They
sometimes do.

On the other hand, You could go to somewhere like Baileys and get a new
wheel at a good low price, which will come in it's original box, be insured,
and under warranty.

You should check out some of the discounters - Baileys and Kickwheel are
good ones - and see what their prices are like.

RHONDA FRIED on sat 28 feb 04


Hi Juanita,
Just want to let you know, I bought one thru clayart, from a California =
company that reconditions old shimpo wheels. I got it for about $350. =
about 5 years ago. It is loud, but works perfectly. Later on, I bought =
a wheel from an artist acquaintance that never used the one he bought. =
I got that one for $200 about 4 years ago. It was bright orange and had =
no markings; I later figured it to be an old creative industries wheel. =
It works even better. I use them both regularly, and have had no bit of =
trouble. Obviously, if you can see it in action, that's better, but =
I've had very good luck with used. =20
Rhonda